Latest Posts

Is Oklahoma ready for a COVID-19 surge?

Body

If a large COVID-19 surge comes, Oklahoma officials want to be sure there are enough doctors, nurses, aides and other health-care workers to treat the
infected.

That involves a lot more than adjusting schedules and paying out a little more overtime.

Small Image

Jail population hits low mark

Body

The number of inmates held in the Canadian County Detention Center might be the lowest since the building was constructed.

Last week, there were 134 inmates being held at the jail. There also was one inmate being held in Dewey County and four inmates who were being held in other jails while awaiting trial.

There were only three people booked into the jail over the weekend. Normally, that number is significantly higher.

Virus isolation can be a great time to watch your colorful gardens grow

Body

The rains have been a blessing after the dreadful 90-degree temperature last week.

The sudden heat caused instant wilt and had it not abated, we would have lost our favorite spring bloomers.

With the isolate-in-place suggestion to contain the coronavirus, many weekend gardeners who glanced at their garden each day on the way to work have the time to truly enjoy it on a daily basis.

Children who are out of school may plant early seeds and flowers and wonder in joyous awe as they grow on a daily basis.

In the Garden art

Former county official charged with stealing

Body

The former director of the Canadian County Emergency Management Department has been charged with stealing more than $1,200 along with several pieces of equipment from the county.

Troy Steven Mead, 45, was charged last week with one count of embezzlement of state property.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, filed to obtain an arrest warrant, Mead is accused of cashing a $1,200 check from Walmart and using it for personal expenses.

Public Records - April 8

Body

LAWSUITS

TD Bank USA N.A. vs. Alyssa J. Mize for $662.34 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Wallace Tilley for $3,095.27 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Razor Capital LLC vs. Carol Vallario for $3,554.51 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Crown Asset Management LLC vs. Melita Miller for $1,531.54 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Canadian County Health Department to conduct COVID-19 tests

Body

Mayor Matt White confirmed late Monday that the Canadian County Health Department will be conducting tests for the COVID-19 virus on Tuesday, April 7.

Testing will be done at the El Reno office between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Those wishing to get tested must sign up ahead of time and testing will be done at your car according to calls made to the health department.

“We had offered a different location for drive-thru but the health department said they only had 25 to 35 people sign up,” said White.

In midst of a concussion crisis, why does Oklahoma artificially limit the number of athletic trainers?

Body
Oklahoma news outlets recently highlighted the problem of concussions in high school football. Stories have examined inadequate data tracking by the state, a proposal requiring schools to keep ambulances onsite at games, and even differences in rules between high school and college football that encourage high school quarterbacks to take hits rather than throw the ball away.
El Reno High School goalie Angel Gonsalez follows through on a kick during a game before the Indians season was called off due to the COVID-19 outbreak. El Reno Public Schools has one trainer that is contracted through an outside company and splits time between all varsity athletic events throughout the season. (Tribune photographer/ Glen Miller)